If you are in the 11th, you are not far from the fabulous Au Ble Sucre (7 rue Antoine Vollon75012 Paris, metro Ledru-Rollin, line 8). They do a cheap lunch (sandwich or salad, + dessert + drink) for 6,50E or just try any of their patisseries! The "Avant Sept", a wink at the "After Eight" mint chocolate candy, is wonderful, as is their raspberry/orange blossom flavored macaron. Big plus and rare for Paris: all the staff is warm and friendly.

Well, it sounds as if you already have a fun program lined up, a nice balance between "dégustation" and "exercice." Bravo. Please say "Bonjour" to Vicki from French Girl in Seattle. Bon voyage, Carol. Veronique

My favorite walk up find was L'as Du Fallafel at 34 rue des Rosiers. It was a fun atmosphere and the best treat. It was delicious but like "health food" so I could keep eating the sweet treats and macarons.So full of egg plant and cabbage and great sauce.I am excited to see your new posts from Paris! Bon Voyage from Rural Oregon fan

I'm excited about this trip and I'm not even going! I'm not sure if you and Bear are crepe-lovers, but if so, perhaps a crepe(my favourite: sucre et citron). And paella at Covent Garden in London! (Not exactly traditional English food, but sooo good.) Bon voyage!

According to the weather app on my Nook you will be having fantastic weather, sunny and in the 60's until Saturday, then some rain possible. If you can trust a weather forcast that far out...looks like you should pack some light weight clothes.

Grape picker's cake has peaked my interest. This trip sounds like it is perfectly plan but we all know plans are meant to change. I am really looking forward to reading all about the unexpected finds along your way! So happy you will be meeting with Vicki- as I am a big fan of you both! Bon Voyage and safe travels.

I so envy you this trip! I am so bored with Chicago even though the weather is getting warmer already.I like Cara Black, but I would recommend The Ex-Pats by Chris Pavone. I am reading it now and can hardly put it down so I can work.Bon voyage,Sophia

Just a quick note to wish you Buon Viaggio a Parigi . I really look forward to seeing what “treasures” ( food, cloths, history and people) you’ll discover this trip. I know that you’ll produce some wonderful stories from what you find there. As always, if you decide to do any watercolors of the famous sites while you’re there I would be interested in buying some of them.

A great collection of photos, Carol. The places that you have picked to visit all look great. (I love that staircase shot!)The pastries and salads look delicious, too.Have fun, and take tons of photos!

Have you been to the Musee de la Poupee? The display of antique dollies made me squeal with delight. And Marie is right, Maison Boissier is exquisite. No chocolate shop in Paris has such beautiful packaging and the chocolate and candies are also wonderful.

Carol, looking forward to seeing you next Tuesday. Sounds like we may just be macaroned out! Bon voyage! BTW, you'll love Frank et Fils - esp the ladies who lunch there: that's where I tasted my first macaron, as I worked around the corner for 10 yrs. Their café on the top floor used to be la Durée, now it's not the same but le shopping is ultra chic. :-)

Reading your posts and all the comments makes me very jealous.It all sounds wonderful...I'm taking notes for my next trip. I know so little of the 11th and look forward to PBs point of view.Have a wonderful trip!

PARIS in yr Mailbox!

♥carol gillott♥

l'Ile Saint Louis, Paris, Ile de France, France

Hi I'm Carol Gillott,
My Mom taught me watercolors at 5 and I'm still at it. Now I live by the Seine on l'Ile Saint-Louis. Do consider subscribing to my Paris letters and maps on Etsy and enjoy a taste of Paris in your mailbox every month to savor with a hot chocolate and croissant. I paint Paris dreams.